Arrow Lake this is the second-best idea that we've ever had

His ears flattened a bit in uncertainty at the explanation, eyes darting as if expecting Stigmata to jump out of the bushes at any moment and kick his ass. He'd do the same, after all, right? But it was silly to dilly-dally at this point, after an express command from the mother. Any longer and she'd be doing the ass-kicking. So he picked up the muskrat with a small sigh and padded to the den entrance.

Verx placed the muskrat near her paws, and then his gaze widened as it shifted over. He wondered if he'd somehow blinked and missed a couple months, because holy fucking shitballs those kids were huge. He was really gonna have to work with Drago and Isi on their sparring skills if they were gonna keep up. The brute returned his eyes, alight with good humor, to Takiyok, and he took a step back, still close enough to speak but not crowding her personal space.

How're you doing? he asked, smiling. Not the same impish grin he'd given her once before, but something more muted. Certainly wasn't about trying to smash anymore. Kids doing okay?